Emmerdale legend Tony Audenshaw, best known for his role as Bob Hope on the ITV soap,
has reflected on an unforgettable encounter with a young Prince William—long before he found fame on British television.
The veteran actor, who has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years, shared details of his past
as a theme park entertainer and the cheeky remark he made to the future king during their brief meeting.
A Chance Encounter with Royalty
Before becoming a household name in Emmerdale, Tony Audenshaw worked at Thorpe Park, a popular UK theme park,
where he performed under the stage name “Chip.” His job involved entertaining crowds before stunt shows and engaging visitors with lively performances.
During his time at the park in the mid-1990s, Tony had an unexpected brush with royalty when a young Prince William made a surprise visit. Unaware of the boy’s identity at first, Tony struck up a conversation with the future king, asking, “What’s your name, young man?”
Prince William confidently responded, “Future King William.”
Without missing a beat, Tony quipped, “Funny, that’s my mother’s name.” His quick-witted remark likely brought a smile to the prince’s face before he went on to enjoy his day at the amusement park.
Humble Beginnings and Hard Work
While Tony’s career has since flourished, his early days were far from glamorous. During his time at Thorpe Park, he struggled financially and often found himself sleeping in his car when he couldn’t afford accommodation.
The actor previously opened up about those challenges, revealing on Loose Women: “Up north, things are much cheaper. I came down here in the ‘80s, and it was £70 for a B&B. If I was down for five nights, I would sleep in the car because I didn’t have much money coming in.”
Despite the hardships, Tony remained determined to pursue a career in entertainment. His time at the park gave him valuable experience performing for large audiences, which would later help him land roles in television.
A Difficult Co-Star Relationship
During his stint at the theme park, Tony was responsible for warming up the crowd before stunt performances. Part of his role involved hiring other performers to help bring the shows to life. However, not all of his working relationships ran smoothly.
He recalled one incident where he hired a talented actor to play an Italian policeman. However, things quickly turned sour when the performer developed a strong dislike for Tony and his act.
“We originally offered him a job as he was ace as an Italian policeman,” Tony recalled. “But unbeknownst to me, he hated the act, he hated me, and decided to just talk about Italian politics with people instead.”
This rebellious approach didn’t sit well with the park’s management, and the performer was eventually dismissed.
From Theme Parks to Soap Stardom
Tony Audenshaw’s journey from struggling theme park entertainer to one of Emmerdale’s most beloved characters is a testament to his perseverance and talent. Since joining the soap in 2000, he has brought humor and charm to the role of Bob Hope, winning the hearts of fans across the country.
Bob Hope has been at the center of countless dramatic storylines, from multiple marriages and affairs to tragic losses and personal struggles. Despite his many ups and downs, he remains one of the village’s most endearing figures.
A Moment to Remember
While Tony’s career has been filled with memorable moments, his brief encounter with Prince William remains one of his most amusing stories. His quick-witted response to the young royal is a reminder of the humor and charisma that have made him such a fan favorite.
As Tony continues to entertain Emmerdale viewers, his past experiences—including sleeping in his car, working at Thorpe Park, and rubbing shoulders with future royalty—serve as a fascinating glimpse into the journey that led him to soap stardom.
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